Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train: India’s first bullet train corridor is getting its own dedicated power supply network. The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) is setting up 14 traction substations along the 508-km Mumbai-Ahmedabad route. These substations will supply the electricity needed to run the high-speed trains through Maharashtra and Gujarat. The first of these, located at Bilimora in Gujarat’s Navsari district, is almost ready. Completing this power infrastructure is an important step before the bullet trains can start running.
How Will The Bullet Train Receive Electricity?
The traction substations will take electricity from the main power grid, convert it to the right voltage, and then send it through the Overhead Equipment (OHE) that runs along the tracks. The entire corridor will work on a 2 × 25 kV traction power supply system. Each substation will be linked to specific grid stations so that the power supply stays steady.
ALSO READ: India’s First Bullet Train: Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Gives Key Launch Update | Video
The Bilimora substation, for example, will get its electricity from GETCO’s 220 kV Ambetha Grid Substation. NHSRCL shared an update, stating, "The first traction substation is nearing completion at Bilimora in Navsari district, Gujarat. Spread over approximately 18,000 square metres, the power transmission infrastructure is taking shape, with equipment installation, testing and commissioning activities progressing at the substation."
A central control system will also keep an eye on the whole power network in real time so that officials can monitor electricity distribution across the corridor.
Where Will The 14 Traction Substations Be Located?
Five of the substations will be in Maharashtra and nine in Gujarat. Here are the locations:
Maharashtra: Mumbai, Thane, Virar, Boisar and Thane Depot.
Gujarat: Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Mahemdavad, Ahmedabad and Sabarmati Depot.
Bilimora Substation Nears Completion
Work at the Bilimora site has reached an advanced stage. Installation inside the buildings that house the control panels, changeover switches, transformers and circuit breakers is finished. The gantry towers and beams have also been put in place. According to NHSRCL, what remains now is the final equipment work, testing, and commissioning before the substation can start functioning.